In Bed with Misshattan
She’s the ultimate lover of Manhattan, and New York City is her muse. Natalie Amrossi, or Misshattan as we’ve come to know her as on social media, has amassed over 300,000 loyal followers on Instagram. Join us as we cozy up with Natalie, and learn how her love affair with the city began.
Refinery: How’d you get started?
Natalie: I created the name Misshattan when I moved into the city two and a half years ago. I’ve always been into photography, but I always worried about the financial aspect of being an artist. I would go to my corporate job and take photos before and after work, every day. My social account started building over time. Once I felt overwhelmed with workload from photography and my corporate job, I decided to dedicate my life to photography, full-time.
“I’m 25 years old, and I don’t have kids or anyone to worry about except myself. I decided to take the risk.”
Refinery: Do you remember the day you decided to become a full-time photographer?
Natalie: I was out all night shooting—I like to shoot at night when the city is quiet. I got home around 6 a.m., showered and went to work. I had to be at the office by 7 a.m., and I just knew it was time. I called my friend and said I think I’m about to quit my job. My friend said “Do it!” I didn’t plan for it to happen that day, but it just felt right in the moment. I never regretted my decision.
Refinery: What has been the most exciting project you’ve worked on so far?
Natalie: Jaguar sent me to California to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in one of their convertibles, and it was just the best experience ever. I was blasting Biggie, my hair was flowing and I had my Yankees cap on. It was just great.
Refinery: You have to bring a Yankees cap to California.
Natalie: Exactly, it’s only right.
Refinery: How many places have you traveled to for work?
Natalie: I just came back from Sweden. I’ve also traveled to Vegas, London, California, Miami, Arizona, Utah…and the list goes on.
Refinery: Which destination has been your favorite?
Natalie: I love Arizona and Utah. Everybody there is so nice, and the food is amazing—I had some amazing barbecue. I love to see the canyons and looking up and seeing the stars because we don’t get that here in New York City. I think the U.S. is so undervalued for all the places that you can visit.
Refinery: What has inspired your photography lately?
Natalie: Seeing new things always inspires me. It is always a special moment to notice something incredible when it normally goes overlooked.
Refinery: Do you always have your camera on you?
Natalie: 99 percent of the time I have my camera on me. And the one percent of time I don’t have it with me, I always regret it. Worst case scenario, iPhones are great. There are so many apps that can help you enhance your photos. Snapseed is pretty awesome.
Refinery: If you could choose any person (past or present) to explore NYC with, who would it be?
Natalie: Madonna. It would be such a fun and interesting day. She probably has a shit-ton of stories that she could talk about. She knows everyone.
“99 percent of the time I have my camera on me. And the one percent of time I don’t have it with me, I always regret it.”
Refinery: Where do you go to decompress?
Natalie: This is going to sound very cliché, but I love Top of the Rock. I know it’s very touristy, but the day that I resigned from my job, I went up there. It was completely empty—which never happens—and it was so nice to not hear anything because you’re so high up. It was so peaceful. That day, I looked over my office building while watching the sunset, it’s a moment I’ll never forget.
Refinery: What’s your favorite cocktail bar?
Natalie: L’Express. This French restaurant is open 24 hours, and has the best French onion soup. Their cocktails are always on point. I order a vodka soda with an orange peel twist.
Quickfire with Misshattan:
Mets or Yankees?
Yankees
5th Ave or SoHo?
SoHo
Roberta’s or Grimaldi’s?
Grimaldi’s
Highline or Central Park?
Highline
Uber or Yellow cab?
Yellow cab
